Adjustable Gastric Banding

What Are The Benefits Of Adjustable Gastric Banding?

Adjustable gastric banding is a highly regarded weight loss surgical option for many individuals. Here are some of the notable benefits of this procedure:

• Lower Mortality Rate: The mortality rate associated with adjustable gastric banding surgery is significantly lower than other bariatric surgical options.
• Minimally Invasive: This procedure does not involve any cutting or stapling of the stomach, thereby reducing surgical trauma.
• Short Hospital Stay: The stay at the hospital is generally shorter compared to other weight loss surgeries.
• Quick Recovery: Recovery time from this procedure is typically faster, allowing you to resume normal activities sooner.
• Adjustability: One of the significant benefits of adjustable gastric banding is that the band can be adjusted post-operatively without additional surgery, enabling personalised treatment.
• No Malabsorption Issues: As this procedure doesn’t bypass the intestines, it doesn’t cause malabsorption issues related to nutrient intake.

How To Prepare For Adjustable Gastric Banding?

Preparing for adjustable gastric banding surgery requires a few steps, including:

• Medical Evaluation: A detailed evaluation by a doctor to assess your overall health and suitability for surgery.
• Nutritional Counselling: You may be required to meet with a nutritionist to understand dietary changes and prepare for post-surgery eating habits.
• Psychological Assessment: A psychological evaluation ensures you are mentally prepared for the lifestyle changes that accompany the surgery.
• Preoperative Diet: You may be advised to follow a specific diet, often including a liquid diet, for a few weeks prior to surgery to reduce liver size and facilitate the operation.
• Stop Certain Medications: You may need to stop taking specific medications, especially blood thinners, before the surgery.

What Are The Recovery Tips and Precautions To Follow After Adjustable Gastric Banding?

The period following an adjustable gastric banding surgery is critical and requires careful management for successful outcomes. Here are some postoperative recovery tips:

• Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-ups with your doctor are essential for band adjustments and monitoring of your weight loss progress.
• Dietary Changes: Gradually transition from liquids to soft foods and then to solid foods as tolerated. Always remember, eating small portions and chewing food thoroughly is crucial.
• Hydration: Staying well-hydrated, especially in the initial weeks post-surgery, is vital.
• Avoid Overeating: Stick to portion control to prevent complications like pouch dilation or band slippage.
• Physical Activity: Gradually increase physical activity as advised by your doctor, but avoid strenuous exercise until given the green light.
• Watch for Complications: Be alert for signs of complications such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing, reporting these immediately to your doctor.

Potential Risks Or Complications Associated With Adjustable Gastric Banding

While adjustable gastric banding is a generally safe procedure, like any surgery, it may lead to complications. Here are some potential risks:

• Band Slippage: The band may shift from its original position, leading to symptoms like dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), reflux, and food intolerance.
• Port or Tubing Malfunctions: Issues such as saline leakage or port migration can occur, requiring surgical intervention.
• Pouch Dilation: Overeating or overinflation of the band can cause the stomach pouch to enlarge, leading to inadequate satiety and potential weight regain.
• Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Some patients may experience increased reflux symptoms post-surgery.
• Band Erosion: In rare cases, the band can erode into the stomach wall, requiring removal of the band.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Even though malabsorption is not a concern, you may still experience deficiencies due to dietary restrictions.

What Is The Cost Of Adjustable Gastric Banding In India?

Adjustable gastric banding is a beneficial weight loss procedure for individuals dealing with obesity. In India, the cost of adjustable gastric banding varies significantly, generally ranging from ₹1,00,000 to ₹3,00,000. Several factors may influence the overall cost of this procedure:

• Type of Hospital: The cost of the adjustable gastric banding surgery is comparatively lower in government or trust hospitals than private ones.
• Reputation of the Hospital: Institutions with higher accreditation and better reputation usually tend to charge more.
• Surgical Approach: The technique adopted by the surgeon, such as pars flaccida or the perigastric approach, can impact the cost.
• Surgeon’s Expertise: Experienced surgeons tend to charge higher due to their superior skill sets and successful track records.

Is Adjustable Gastric Banding Covered Under Insurance?

In India, many health insurance plans do cover procedures like adjustable gastric banding. However, coverage is typically provided for patients who meet specific criteria related to obesity and associated comorbidities. This does mean that there might be exclusions based on individual policy terms.

Furthermore, the AB-PMJAY (Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana) scheme provides health coverage for economically disadvantaged individuals. This scheme aims to offer financial protection against high medical expenses, ensuring that eligible beneficiaries can access vital surgical interventions like LAGB without significant out-of-pocket costs.

In conclusion, it’s always prudent to clarify your insurance coverage with your provider before embarking on any surgical procedure. This helps avoid unexpected expenses and ensures a smooth treatment journey.